Social Conventions In William Faulkner's A Rose For Emily

“A Rose for Emily,” by William Faulkner, conveys the theme of the decadence and downfall of the deteriorated social conventions by using the symbol of Ms. Emily’s house. The short story uses the flashback technique to describe the Mysterious and secret life of Ms. Emily. To begin with, Ms Emily’s House signifies a monument that has fallen with the respects of the elder townspeople. It is a “big, squarish frame house…set on what [is] once our most [select] street,” this dilapidated house has been white, and heavily decorated with styles from the seventies(1). Therefore, It is the symbol of wealth, honor, and privilege in town. “But garages and cotton gins” soon take over the street, that is the most flourished and prosperous street in the past(1). Just like Ms. Emily herself, the house has declined; due to the same reason that younger people wish for innovation and reform of the nation. These feudal traditions are no longer supported and accepted by these young people. More importantly, are the objects found inside of the house. They are either “furnished in heavy, leather-covered,” or piled under, “faint dust that [spins] with the slow motes in the only sun ray”(1). The shade of sun ray stands out from the dark and gloomy …show more content…
They are both denial and reluctant to admit the changes that are happening to the world. Despite the fact that, her father rejected all chances for her to obtain love; they still have emotional attachments to each other because they are the same kind of people. After her father’s death, she started having strong attachments to her house as she rarely leaves her house. Furthermore,At Miss Emily’s funeral, the townspeople were eagerly curious to look into her house. “The violence of breaking down the door [seem] to fill this room with pervading dust”(5). The townspeople feel passionate because the got their freedom as the last monument in town representing the old feudal customs, has fallen